Chapter 1
Subtitle: A Sweet Story of Kindness and Regret
I took a sip of water.
Stepping into the quiet refuge of a tucked-away café, I swallowed the cool liquid, feeling the persistent thirst dissolve from my throat as a soft sigh of relief escaped my lips.
Opening the menu, my eyes were instantly drawn to a photograph of a confection that looked almost too lovely to eat.
“Summer Exclusive! The Peach Pudding Parfait.”
Enchanted, I raised my hand to call the waiter. When they approached, they smiled warmly and murmured, “Oh, aren't you a fortunate soul? That happens to be our very last one today.”
At that exact moment, the guest seated diagonally across from me cast a glance so utterly stricken, it felt as though the temperature in the room had suddenly dropped.
Even without a single spoken word, the language of their heart was clear. Ah... you truly wanted that parfait, didn't you?
“Um, actually...” I began softly, “I think I will try something else instead. Could you recommend a favourite?”
The Chocolate Parfait they suggested—proudly known as the café’s speciality—turned out to be an absolute revelation, rich and exquisite beyond measure.
Meanwhile, just a few paces away, the peach pudding parfait was being gently lowered onto the table of my silent companion. Their eyes lit up with a brilliance that seemed to illuminate the entire corner of the café.
With a delicate custard pudding crowning the top and shimmering peach slices arranged like the blooming petals of a rare flower, it looked breathtakingly delicious, even from afar.
Yes, I thought to myself, I am truly glad I let it go.
...Yet, as I took another bite of my chocolate, I only hope the universe might forgive me for harbouring just a tiny, fleeting drop of sweet regret.
(The End)
[Author's Note]
In this story, the characters enjoy a "Peach Pudding Parfait." In Japan, summer brings a wonderful tradition of seasonal menu items at traditional coffee shops (kissaten). A Japanese-style parfait is a tall glass filled with delicious layers of ice cream, fresh fruit (like juicy summer peaches), and custard pudding. If you ever visit Japan in the summer, I hope you'll try one!
